Not a bad episode. I liked the grandma's "I should've stabbed him in the particulars"

I also notice that a relative of Tony's was on the show, since they had the same last name. Couldn't figure out who it was, though.

Yeah, grandma was pretty cool. And I thought for sure that Disher (is that the lieutenant's name?) was going to blow the "ransom call" by sneezing, should've known that Monk would be the one to mess it up somehow!

I noticed the relative as well but don't know who it was. Also noticed that somebody Dratch was a story editor, not sure if related to Rachel (the law student) or not.

Steph

It was ok.

I thought the law students were pretty funny.

"I'm taking the bar in Peru"

Really? It was the hippie professor. I noticed the resemblence immediately, both in features and mannerisms.

I never felt sorry for Monk befor, but when he was taking the test I really saw how his problems can stop him from getting his goals in life.

The test taking scene was both LOL hilarious and heart breaking at the same time. Otherwise, this was okay but nothing special. The mystery was the weak link, and the criminal's plan and execution were a bit too hokey to believe, even for this show. The attempt on Monk's life in the library didn't seem to fit in with their other actions.

Yeah. One of the guest stars had the last name Shalhoub. I'm pretty sure a name like that wouldn't be a coincidence.

I like the sniping between Sharona & Lt. Disher. I can see a romance with them.

Rachel Dratch was in this episode, and her brother is one of the writers for "Monk".

I thought that the test scene went on much too long. Not a great episode in my opinion, since I am not a big Dratch fan (here, on SNL, or on King of Queens). I thought that Dratch was involved in the abduction as well, but I guess that I was wrong.

Thanks for answering my unasked questions - I saw "Dratch" as a script supervisor or writer or something and wondered - "hmm...are they related?"

Yeah that test was both heart-wrenching and hilarious at the same time. Best line had to be "I'm smoking the truth, man!" LOL!

I liked that I didn't figure out the 'mystery' right from the get-go and even the whodunit almost took a backseat to the story of Monk getting back on the force.

I wonder when Sharona & Disher are gonna get together - probably not this season at this rate...

I finally watched all the episodes of season 2 from the marathon 3 weeks, and this show is hilarious at the little moments.

Regarding the funny coupon cutting, I'm never going to hear the end of it from my wife.... That was funny.

Exactly. It was funny at first, but after a few minutes, I really started to feel bad for the guy. That, and when he asked Sharona if he was disabled. Poor guy.

Same here. He talked exactly like Tony.

I thought this was a good episode. But man, that test scene was tough to watch.

I felt that way when Monk & Sharona went to Mexico. He carried several suitcases of food and water, and the customs agent was a little insulted at first that he didn't trust Mexican products. When Monk explained how he is, the agent said, "You must be a very lonely man." and Monk replied, "Yes, I am."